Personal Stories
- A Fraternal Bond
- A door to answers
- Luther’s story
A Fraternal Bond
At first glance, most folks don’t see the resemblance. Galen is tall and lanky and animated in his mannerisms. Greg is also tall, but a bit stockier, and is more quiet (at least until he gets to know you!). But after talking to the two of them together, the similarities start to come through – and you begin to sense that unquestionable bond forged in a way only brothers do.
Both men live in Cedar House, and work in the Matthew Washington Center. Galen has moderate mental retardation, ADHD and mitral valve prolapsed. And Greg, the younger brother, has mild retardation and speech difficulties.
The two men have weathered significant loss over the years. First their mother died suddenly when they were teenagers, and then the passing of their father 17 years later. Their childhood was spent in Russell, Kansas but their parents had always planned on them coming to Futures after graduation - which they believed to be the best, according to Dorothy, the men’s grandmother. Galen moved here in 1987 at the age of 17. Greg followed six years later.
After going through a temporary separation, Greg and Galen didn’t notice each other much when they were finally together. But slowly their subtle bond returned. Those who know them notice how Galen watches out for his little brother. “He reminds Greg to wash his hands,�? says Dorothy. And recently, when Greg left for a week to attend summer camp, Galen was pained by his brother’s absence, believing him to be gone for good. Greg, on the other hand, isn’t as expressive of his affection for his brother. But occasionally when Galen starts to rock his body and get agitated – a characteristic of his disability – Greg pats his back to coax Galen to settle down. When Galen had major surgery some time ago – Greg was wrought with worry over his brother.
Even though the men are very independent in their interests and activities, they do enjoy double dating (Greg tends to stick to one woman, while Galen chooses a different one every time!), and attending church with their friend Jeff and their Saturday morning coffee and doughnuts with Harley.
While both men have wonderful extended family support – they happily call Cedar House on A street - home, and depend on Futures to fill in the pieces, enabling them to live happy and productive lives – and to enjoy that “brotherly�? bond that makes life so special.
A door to answers
After repeatedly expressing concern over Jack’s development at doctor’s visits, Steve and Tavia didn’t know if their concerns had merit. Their son, Jack, was on target in physical development. But his language development was significantly lacking compared to his peers. And from birth he just didn’t seem to have a normal child’s desire to interact with his parents.
Having no prior knowledge of Futures’ Child Checks, Steve and Tavia were eager to attend after their doctor happened to mention it when Jack was age 3. From Child Check he was referred for a comprehensive evaluation. “He failed miserably,�? his mother said of Jack’s evaluation. “They estimated he was two and a half years behind.�?
While the results were not encouraging, what began with a visit to Child Check marked a change in course for the family. After the initial evaluation, Jack began attending preschool at Futures and receiving mental health services from Sumner Mental Health. After several months of school, however, he was not progressing as hoped. Traditional strategies just weren’t working for Jack so further evaluation was sought. The path eventually led to a diagnosis of autism, ADHD and general anxiety disorder and a plan of support for Jack and his parents to help him catch up to his peers.
A more specialized therapeutic program was implemented along with physical, occupational and speech therapy, and medication. “Fortunately, everyone at Futures has been really, really great and so open to working with us,�? Jack’s mom shares. “If we had suggestions they were all over it. There was lots of communication back and forth. We really felt like we were working with Futures to help Jack.�?
After two and a half years at Futures attending preschool during the school year, special education summer school and summer psychosocial groups, Jack was ready to transition to kindergarten. Months of preparation by the family, Futures staff and the public school system were necessary as transitions are especially tough for Jack. Everyone wanted Jack to succeed.
Today, Jack is thriving in kindergarten and has caught up with his peers. His teacher shared that even compared to a child without a disability, he’s doing really well.
Luther’s story
Many of the men and women that Futures serves have family members who are an important part of their lives. Families provide support, love, and that recognition of being cared about, that we all need as we go through life.
But for some, that’s not the case. Sometimes, Futures IS family.
Most folks who know Luther, would suspect he’d agree. For most of his 32 years, Luther has been a ward of the state. The situation of his birth is sketchy at best. His childhood years were spent living in an institution. If he’s got family, it’s not known who or where they are.
Luther’s disabilities are significant. He’s quadriplegic and receives his meals through a feeding tube. He also has cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder as well as microcephaly.
As part of the state’s deinstitutionalization efforts in the mid 90’s, he was moved to a foster home in Wellington and began attending the public school. Futures began serving as his case manager in 1994.
As Luther became an adult, he started participating in Futures Day Services beginning in 1997, coming to the Matthew Washington Center whenever his health would permit.
When the foster care home was no longer an option, Luther moved to College house, where he has lived for almost 4 years. To some, Luther may seem vegetative - unable see, speak, move or eat. But the folks who know him best, know better. Like everyone, Luther has an opinion. He has preferences. He loves the smell of French fries, and he doesn’t like the sound of Stephen King books when heard on tape. He experiences joy, fear, and the comfort that comes from being with people he knows. He can’t resist joining in when other around him are enjoying a good laugh, and he’ll let you know when he needs to be repositioned.
But, for the staff who tend to Luther’s needs throughout the day, it’s more than just providing basic care. It’s about being there for birthdays, holidays, good times, and bad – not just as a caregiver, but also as a witness to the value of his life.
For the folks who care for Luther every day, it’s not just about his being cared “for�? - it’s being cared “about�? as well. There’s simply no question for Luther. We’re family.